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Indices and clinical signs for assessing malnutrition and when to use them
Height/length-for-age
This index reflects the growth in height or length by a given age. In comparison
to that of an average healthy child of the same age, it is used to identify
children who are stunted (short) due to prolonged undernutrition or repeated
illness. Children who are tall for their age can also be identified,
but tallness is rarely a problem unless it is excessive and may reflect
uncommon endocrine disorders.